In a compelling address at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre’s Stakeholder Dialogue Series, Justice Anna Taylor, a High Court judge has urged Ghanaians, particularly politicians, to respect and accept election results determined at polling stations.
Emphasizing that the responsibility for declaring election winners does not lie with the courts, Justice Taylor called for a deeper understanding and trust in the electoral process.
Justice Taylor stressed the necessity of comprehensive education about Ghana’s electoral processes, highlighting the importance for all parties, especially politicians, to understand and respect the results as announced at polling stations.
“At the end of the day, they want to go to the court for the courts to pronounce who has won. So, we must understand the law, understand how they operate, and I believe if there is a trust system, then everything will go on smoothly.”
Justice Anna Taylor, a High Court Judge
While acknowledging the common knowledge that elections are decided at the polling stations, Justice Taylor pointed out the recurring trend of seeking judicial intervention to settle electoral disputes.
Justice Taylor explained that delays in resolving such disputes are often due to legal timelines and procedures, but reassured that the Judicial Service is well-equipped to handle these matters efficiently.
Justice Taylor further remarked, “The Judicial Service is ready, and the forums for resolving disputes are already available. When you look at the law, at times, it’s as if we are looking forward to having disputes and the law itself is ready to accommodate disputes.”
Calls for Governance Reforms
The dialogue series also featured other prominent speakers who echoed Justice Taylor’s sentiments and called for governance reforms across Africa.
Justice Oman, a programme executive at Research Governance of Human Rights for the African Union (AU), expressed concern about the growing disconnect between African governance systems and the expectations of citizens.
“Over the past few years, we have experienced political instability across the continent. Recent events in Kenya call for a deeper reflection on the nature of democracy and the quality of governance on the continent.
“It is time to reflect on and identify the disconnect between the governance system in Africa and the expectations of the citizenry to address it.”
Justice Oman, Programme Executive at Research Governance of Human Rights for the AU
Mr. Oman emphasized the need for African citizens to engage constructively in the governance process to build strong, resilient institutions that promote trust, uphold the rule of law, entrench democratic values, and protect fundamental human rights.
Importance of Robust Institutions
Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, the Deputy Commandant at the KAIPTC, stressed the critical need for robust institutions and civic engagement to ensure sustainable development and security in Africa.
Commodore Akrong highlighted the opportunities presented by the AU Agenda 2063 for economic transformation and growth, while also noting the significant threats posed by bad governance, violent extremism, terrorism, cyber-attacks, and political upheavals, which have led to an increase in military takeovers over the past three years.
“The relationship between a country’s security situation and its institutions is intricate and multifaceted. Strong and effective institutions are essential for ensuring national security, upholding the rule of law, promoting accountability, resolving conflicts, and supporting economic development.
“By investing in resilient institutions and promoting good governance, countries can enhance their security architecture and contribute to sustainable peace and development.”
Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, the Deputy Commandant at the KAIPTC
Reflecting on Ghana’s upcoming polls in December, Commodore Akrong emphasized the crucial importance of civic engagement and robust institutions for the nation’s long-term development.
“Africa has a busy election calendar in 2024, with an estimated 17-19 countries slated for presidential or general elections,” Commodore Akrong highlighted.
The stakeholder dialogue series focused on “Enhancing Civic Engagement and Institution-building for Sustainable Africa,” brought together participants including selected journalists, judges, representatives from state security agencies, the Electoral Commission, NCCE, CHRAJ, and civil society.
